Peru is set to hold its presidential election on Sunday with a record 35 candidates vying for the position. The Andean nation of 27 million people has seen deep political instability in recent years, with nine presidents in nearly as many years. Voters will face an unusually long ballot featuring candidate photos and party symbols due to historically low literacy levels.
Key Takeaways
Peru's presidential election features a record 35 candidates amid political instability and high crime rates. Keiko Fujimori leads polls but faces strong opposition from Rafael López Aliaga, Carlos Álvarez, and Ricardo Belmont.
- Peru holds elections with 27 million eligible voters
- Record 35 candidates vie for presidency in highly unstable political climate
- Leading contenders include Keiko Fujimori, Rafael López Aliaga, Carlos Álvarez, and Ricardo Belmont
- Crime and corruption top voter concerns
The leading contender is Keiko Fujimori, daughter of the late disgraced former president Alberto Fujimori. She has been walking a tightrope between embracing her father's legacy and distancing herself from his serious human rights abuses. Despite consistently polling around 10%, she is likely to reach another run-off election in June.
The crowded field includes Rafael López Aliaga, dubbed 'the Peruvian Trump,' who has made unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud; Carlos Álvarez, a comedian known for parodying politicians; and Ricardo Belmont, an octogenarian populist with a history of controversial remarks. Polls show that Peruvians overwhelmingly want fresh blood in their politics.
The election comes amidst widespread voter frustration with the political class, which has passed laws allegedly favoring organized crime and has a disapproval rating near 90%. The country is also grappling with an extortion epidemic and record homicide rates. Peruvians hope this election will break the cycle of instability that has plagued their nation for over a decade.
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